Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

Yes.

Senator Hayes also referred to the situation in the North where top-up fees mean there is more money available to third level institutions for research and development, which may leave us at a disadvantage. This is a valid point and we discussed the two-year add-on to the three-year degree yesterday. I understand the Senator was not arguing for the return of third level fees. None of us wants that. However, the existence of such fees in the North gives the colleges there an advantage relative to those in the South.

Senator O'Toole added to the debate on the OECD report and referred to overvalued housing stock. I assure the Deputy we will have a debate on housing. He expressed concern about the lower insulation levels of new houses and how young couples are being short-changed. He also referred to the case of an autistic child and the lengths to which the parents had to go to get what they considered adequate educational services for their child. I am aware from my days in education that there is a reliance in Departments on pursuing matters through the courts until the bitter end at which point there is regret that this course was taken. Senator O'Toole also spoke about the Burren Action Group and called for a debate on the Irish language.

Senator Leyden referred to Ms Marie Therese O'Loughlin at the gates of Leinster House. It is awful that she will be there for Christmas Day. The rest of us will be warm and cosy but she has told me she will spend Christmas Eve and Christmas Day and night there. I hope she will get an assurance in writing that her case will come under the aegis of some other of the institutions. Senator Leyden also observed that the consultative fora have been set up as he presaged in his newsletter and calls for further health debates in the House. I am indebted to Senator Brennan for showing me an extract from the Tánaiste's press statement. It states that the Health Service Executive is obliged by regulations to "deal expeditiously with Members correspondence" and lists the documentation and information the executive must provide to them at their request. It will be great if that happens.

I agree with Senator Bradford that the success of the elections in Iraq is amazing. We have seen images of women running to polling stations with their burkhas flowing. It is a great result and they showed us all how it should be done. We are all heartened when we see people turning out to vote — assuming they are going to vote for oneself. Senator Bradford also referred to the McCain amendment and raised the plight of Ms O'Loughlin.

Senator Mansergh praised the ESRI for its medium-term reports. Senator Terry called for a debate on the reproductive rights of women. So many other health issues hinge on this and it would make a good umbrella title for a debate. Senator Mooney spoke about the women shedding tears of joy in Iraq and said this sends a strong message to the coalition of the willing. I will convey the views of Members in this regard to the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Deputy Dermot Ahern. Senator Mooney also asked that the proposed broadcasting Bill, which will provide RTE with an enhanced public service broadcasting remit, be introduced in this House. That would be useful. Senator Brady said he would not wish us to have imaginary debates about the imaginary future which the ESRI predicts.

Senator John Paul Phelan asked about the single farmer's payment. I also welcome Senator Scanlon's contribution on this issue.